Powell was on the New York stage in 1912 and it would be 10 years before his film career would begin. In 1924, he would go to Paramount where he would be employed for the next seven years. During these years, he played in a number of interesting films, but stardom was elusive. He did attract attention with 'The Last Command (1928)' as Leo, the arrogant film director. Stardom would come with his role as Philo Vance in 'The Canary Murder Case (1929), where he investigates the death of Louise Brooks, 'the Canary'. Unlike many silent actors, sound boosted the career of Powell. He had a fine voice and his stage career aided his introduction to sound and his comic timing. But he was not happy with the type of roles he was playing at Paramount so in 1931, Powell would begin work at Warner Brothers. He would again be disappointed with his roles and would make his last appearance as Philo in 'The Kennel Murder Case (1933)'. In 1934, Powell went to MGM where he would be teamed with Myrna Loy in 'Manhattan Melodrama (1934)'. While Philo made Powell a star, another detective, Nick Charles, made Powell famous. He would receive an Academy Award Nomination for 'The Thin Man (1934), and star in the Best Picture of 1936 - 'The Great Ziegfeld (1936)'. Powell could play any role with authority whether it was comedy, thriller or drama. He would receive his second Academy Award Nomination for 'My Man Godfrey (1936)'. He was on top of the world until 1937. His first picture with actress Jean Harlow was 'Reckless (1935)' and they would be engaged. While he was filming 'Double Wedding (1937)', on one MGM sound stage, Harlow became ill on another and finally went to the hospital where she died. Her death greatly upset both Powell and Loy and he would be off the movie for six weeks to deal with his sorrow. After that he would travel and would not make another MGM movie for a year. He would do four sequels in the Thin Man series with the last one made in 1947. He would also receive his third Academy Award nomination for his work in 'Life with Father (1947)'. After that, his screen appearances became fewer and his last role was in 1955. He had come a long way from playing the villain in 1922.